LDS First Presidency urges missionary contributions

Comments

Since i have taken on the goal to finance my mission I have been greatly
blessed. I feel much much more confident in my ability to provide since i
decided to save up for my mission. Through church I got a great job and I am
learning some GREAT stuff. Just like coming to know the Lord I am finding a lot
more confidence and Direction in my work life through saving.

"Knock and it will be opened ask and you shall receive". It is working
for me It will work for you. I highly suggest doing all you can to finance your
mission you will be greatly blessed.

mwtNew Castle, PA

June 6, 2013 2:57 p.m.

I really feel sorry for LivinLarge and Barb Wire. Their lack of faith is
showing. There is no commandment, only the presentation of an opportunity for
those who can to serve others and most of all the Lord, who held nothing back
from them. If you don't want to give, then don't, but be quiet about
it. It sounds like tithing is also grudgingly given, in which case you might as
well keep it. The Lord doesn't need your money. He needs your heart and
faith. Contributions--tithing and all others are all about faith and heart, not
money.

csmithgilbert, AZ

June 6, 2013 10:34 a.m.

My son is 18 years old and just graduated from high school. He will report to
the MTC next month. He spent the last 4 years attending a modified year round
high school. He only had 7 weeks for summer. There was not an opportunity for
him to have a job while in high school. He played four years of football and
graduated with an academic scholarship. The decision to defer his scholarship
and serve a mission was easy for him. His bank account is nearly empty. However,
I have started working and find it a BLESSING to be able to pay for my boys who
have a desire to serve the Lord for 2 years. My other son reported to the MTC in
February. Two missionaries serving at the same time might be a financial
sacrifice but I say bring it on!!! Wouldn't have it any other way!! So sad
to see that other don't understand the blessing of the new age change in
missionaries. We can all serve together some at home paying for the missions.
Other out in the field. Which one are you??

sparboySparwood, 00

June 5, 2013 5:29 p.m.

gosh people, relax, some of you get so uptight. Read what was asked "To
help maintain this missionary force," President Monson said in early April,
"and because many of our missionaries come from modest circumstances, we
invite you, as you are able, to contribute generously to the General Missionary
Fund of the church.". Did you notice "as you are able". enough
said.

snowmanProvo, UT

June 5, 2013 3:02 p.m.

OHBU:I was never taught that I was expecteed to go on a mission. I was never
felt pressured to go on a mission. I was never taught that I shouldn't
marry a person who hasn't gone on a mission. My spouse chose serving our
country over a mission and there is nothing wrong with that. Our son went went
on a mission. He probably didn't go for the right reasons but he served
honorably. There are girls out there who tell their boyfriends they won't
marry them unless they go on a mission. They say that they will wait for their
missionary but then they don't.

Ernest T. BassBountiful, UT

June 5, 2013 2:09 p.m.

I may take out a home equity loan to help out.

m.g. scottclearfield, UT

June 5, 2013 12:35 p.m.

The Church has apparantly in recent years taken the financial burden off of the
missionaires compared to the past. My mission, for instance, was considered
pretty expensive, London England, compared to many others in the world. So, my
monthly burden, which my Ward helped out a lot with, was out of reach
financially without some financial help. Some missionaires were going on 200
dollar a month missions, and others were going on 1000 dollar a month ones. It
presented quite a burden on some families. Now the Church has pretty much
equalized the pay no matter which mission someone goes to. I suspect that the
Church is paying a lot of the extra expense for the more costly missions. And
with almost 30 thousand new missionairies coming aboard it will get really
costly. Hopefully we as members can provide extra support.

bzmomo6Carthage, NC

June 5, 2013 11:39 a.m.

Every penny I give to the church comes back to me in blessings. We have paid
for two sons missions and have 3 more boys and a daughter to go. We have also
contributed generously to a young man who joined the church at 19 and his life
was so blessed that he gave up a full ride scholarship to West Point Military
Academy, spent a semester at BYU, sold what he could to pay everything he could
to go on a mission and then left for a mission. We are certainly not wealthy,
but I am more than willing to give up material comforts in order to move the
gospel forward. I can't imagine my life without it and I want everyone to
have those blessings in their lives as well.

Barb WireUSA, UT

June 5, 2013 11:16 a.m.

@ OHBU, A lot of kids that age do want to go on missions for whatever reasons,
but a lot of kids are pressured by their parents to go that really don't
want to. Unfortunately some of it has to do with breaking one of the
commandments, don't covet thy neighbor. "You should go on a mission
because their son is going on a mission." "We need to keep up with
Joneses." Unfortunately having their kids go on a mission seems to be a
status thing for some parents and it shouldn't be that way. A kid should
go on a mission if they want to, not being pressured.

OHBUColumbus, OH

June 5, 2013 10:43 a.m.

re:Snowman

I'm aware the youth aren't forced to go.
Pressured? Absolutely. Growing up, you are told that going on a mission is a
choice. But, you are also told that you are expected to go, and your future is
always spoken of as if it's a foregone conclusion. Then, as a teenager,
you sit in Seminary and Sunday School, and hear lesson after lesson about how
you are expected to go, and you also hear the girls (who as a teenager you are
very interested in) being told that they should not marry a guy unless he's
served a mission. So what you end up with is a kid who, if he doesn't want
to go, facing the prospect of disappointing and possibly alienating his whole
family, not being able to find a spouse, and jeopardizing their eternal
salvation and breaking up their eternal family. I know many, many, MANY kids
who went on missions for specifically these reasons. My brother-in-law hastily
married his highschool girlfriend to mitigate that pressure. It can take years
to muster the courage to tell your parents you don't believe the same
things they do.

rrjensen7Norfolk, VA

June 5, 2013 10:32 a.m.

If you it, you should give. If you don't, don't worry about it. The
message does say to only give if you are able.

Strider303Salt Lake City, UT

June 5, 2013 9:30 a.m.

Joseph Smith taught that “a religion that does not require the sacrifice
of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto
life and salvation.”

We all have problems, trials and issues.
This particular event, requesting more donations for the general missionary
fund, is what is on our plate at present. It is hard to part with the currency
of the world,because so much of our world is wrapped up in it. We are called to
prepare for a better world, and this is how we do it.

True, not all
missionaries are the sterling top notch people we would like to see, but maybe
we weren't either when we served missions. For many it is their first
exposure to adult life, and the transition may take a while.

I am of
the opinion the ark doesn't need any steadying hands from us, just willing
hands to pave the way for it to move along.

We can sit on the
sidelines and gripe and mock or join in and help. Consider the words from Hymn
#250 "Come join the ranks! Come join the ranks!" It's our call.

thefidKearns, UT

June 5, 2013 8:53 a.m.

@Thinkman, "I guess the 10% from the members isn't enough to fund the
added missionaries?"

The church already has a name for the
"twentything" they call it the "Law of Consecration." I would
gladly give 100% if I were asked to. For the mere fact that the Prophet has
never asked to give more than what I was capable of without providing a way for
me to do so... Imagine a society who "willfully" gave everything (that
is really what the church is leading up to). Doctors who did not take money from
patients (call it JesusCare), utility companies that did not take pay because
their workers did not receive any. Home builders that did not charge money to
build a home because they didn't need to pay for the building materials.
Everyone has food because the farmers received help in their harvest. Nobody is
poor, nobody is hungry. (Oh, and no taxes since nobody earned any money)

Don't get this confused with socialism where the government
controls the food and resources. I'm talking about a society that is
willing to give everything from their own free will and choice, not forced to by
law.

thefidKearns, UT

June 5, 2013 8:38 a.m.

@mhilton, the widow gave 2 mites and was considered to give the greatest amount.
Where will it end? When you are in the Celestial kingdom. This life is a test to
see if you will follow Him.

@Barb, my family couldn't afford
sending me either, but the experiences I learned in 2 years has lasted a
lifetime. Now my son is out and I can afford to help him more than my parents. I
do it gladly because the money somehow comes back to me. I have more extra now,
than ever before.

@Dennis, "what were they thinking?" Close
to 90,000 missionaries within 2 years of the announcement... furthering the
objective of the church to tell every living soul... That is what they were
thinking. So I can now share the family's blessings (financially and
spiritually) for helping them... Giving selflessly to encourage personal growth
in our children... Priceless.

Going on a mission a year earlier
wouldn't have changed my financial situation, but it would have encouraged
me grow up a year earlier.

suzyk#1Mount Pleasant, UT

June 4, 2013 6:59 p.m.

To: Barb Wire - you feel the way you do because evidently you don't
understand the Spirit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I
think it marvelous these young people have a desire to serve the Lord - leave
the comforts of their home and families to do what they believe is the right
thing to do and they know a way will be provided. There are many who have been
saving small amounts for years but at today's cost it is not enough. They
will grow spiritually, physically and emotionally with their mission experience.
Those who have been faithful members of the church all of their life know and
accept the challenges and overcome them with Faith, Perseverance and Love of our
Heavenly Father.

kosimovRiverdale, UT

June 4, 2013 6:11 p.m.

@Barb Wire --

I grew up in Utah as a Lutheran. My extended family was
very anti-Mormon, condemning and making fun of the Church all the time. I joined
in as a child, but as I approached adulthood, my feelings changed. My girlfriend
asked me if I wanted to take the discussions, I said yes, I was deeply touched
by the truth and validity of the Gospel AND THE CHURCH, and I was baptized at
age 18. I planned for marriage and college, but the Spirit touched me again and
I served a mission.

I suppose due to my background, I later adopted
attitudes such as you mention in your comments. I drew away from the Church over
tithing and other offerings. But, I got to know some people who worked for the
Church and learned about how the money is handled. Believe me, the Church is not
building opulent Temples or Chapels, every penny that comes in gets spent
quickly on legitimate expenses. I regret being so money focused; I was humbled
to learn what the Church was doing; to this day I don't know how they do so
much with "so little". Please, reconsider prayerfully.

kosimovRiverdale, UT

June 4, 2013 5:59 p.m.

The First Presidency said to members of the Church: "we encourage members,
as they are able, to contribute regularly and generously to the General
Missionary Fund of the church."

This is not a commandment! The
Presidency, which was sustained as Prophets at every conference since called,
ENCOURAGES us to contribute IF WE ARE ABLE. The number of missionaries in the
field will be about 85,000 in a couple of months, a 47% increase since the age
limit changed. If each missionary needs an average of just $300/month, that
comes to over $35 MILLION per year. Which Church program should be cancelled to
come up with these funds, so we don't have to contribute more than
tithing?

Sometimes we forget how the Church functions. We are not
led by a bunch of guys who have board meetings and decide what to spend, and
draw huge paychecks. We are led by Prophets, just as if Joseph Smith or, even
more, if Christ were here leading us. Decisions about where to spend funds are
made in prayer, with the Spirit of the Lord leading every decision. We would do
well to remember this.

kosimovRiverdale, UT

June 4, 2013 5:52 p.m.

Dear JoseGomez in Spain:

Thank you for your wonderful testimony
about your mission and your faith.

I was baptized when I was 18. I
grew up in Utah, in a family which disliked the LDS Church and made fun of it as
well. I am sad that I joined in sometimes, but at age 18, I was touched by the
Spirit of the Lord and knew I had found the true gospel.

I planned to
marry and go to college, but the Spirit touched my heart again and I was filled
with the desire to serve a mission, but I had little money and jobs were scarce.
I talked to my father, and to my astonishment he agreed to pay $55/month for my
mission. I didn't know until then that he was LDS! Seventies in my ward
said they would also give $55/month, so I went to California as a missionary. I
developed health problems and had to come home for hospitalization twice, but my
mission is still blessing me today. I have many health problems but I know the
Lord loves me and is helping me endure them. May the Lord bless you for your
faith!

snowmanProvo, UT

June 4, 2013 5:47 p.m.

Uncle Vic: none of the tithing money goes to missionaries.

JD Books:
First off the church is not a company and if you are barely making it while
paying tithing maybe you should look deep inside yourself and see if you are
paying your tithing with the right spirit.

OHBU: The youth of the
church are not forced to go on missions.

GreatScotEagle Mountain, UT

June 4, 2013 5:40 p.m.

You can use the tithing slip or donate online at LDS Philanthropies. It's
not well known, but very convenient.

josegomezSpain, 00

June 4, 2013 2:55 p.m.

When I was Baptized at the age of 20 years, three months later I was offered a
small volunteer mission to serve, because they needed missionaries, and before
their first birthday as a member, I was authorized to serve a mission, I am
grateful for the people who helped me, and I held the funds as a missionary,
where I studied and worked baptized me, I was a Jehovah's Witness, had a
strong testimony of the Book of Mormon and baptized into The Church of Jesus
Christ, I showed plainly talking and I lost my job the members of my former
congregation, if not for those funds, I would not have served a mission, I had
not found special people today are leaders of the Church and have contributed to
the establishment and strength in Zion but most important is that the Prophet
has said that we must help somehow contribute financially, we do, we will be
blessed. Remember the covenants we made in the Temple. Excuse my bad English,
and a greeting from Spain.

ThinkmanProvo, UT

June 4, 2013 2:29 p.m.

If you believe everything you have is from God, then why are you giving your
hard earned money to a church?

I hope that you don't give in
hopes of "saving" yourselves or out of fear of retribution from God or
from your church leaders or out of fear of being judged (unrighteously) by your
fellow church members or worse, your own family.

Give because YOU
want to give freely but know that the LDS church is certainly flush with cash
and could pay for any missionary that wanted to go that can't pay for
his/her own mission. Keep in mind also (as stated in other comments) that
missionary work and temple building and promoting temple attendance are the
financial engine for tithing. The more people who are converted (baptized) and
who then are required to pay tithing to attend the temple translate into more
payers into the system of the LDS church to build even more temples, enter into
other money making ventures and continue to build and become more like a
business than a religious institution.

That is the view shared by
many, if not most of those of us who no longer are believers.

ulvegaardMedical Lake, Washington

June 4, 2013 2:27 p.m.

The church is building, on average, nearly one church building every day of the
year at an average cost of 1.5 million per building --- that might explain much
of the tithing money.

Reports are that in this country, jobs are hard
to find; especially for the high school graduate age group. And maybe some do
go because someone else is putting up the money, but make general comments
against the many who serve faithfully in spite of not having earned their own
way is not appropriate here; nor there.

My grandparents encouraged
their boys to save for their missions; which they did. But when they got out
into the field, my grandparents paid for it all and left their sons'
savings for them to use for school, marriage, etc., when they got home.

I think I'm going to chat with my family in FHE next time about what can
we do to contribute our meager means towards these missionaries. Call it
'paying it forward', because heaven knows when my kids get to that age
we'll probably need financial help too.

trueblueBYUProvo, UT

June 4, 2013 2:16 p.m.

We have done for years and great blessings come!

KinCOFort Collins, CO

June 4, 2013 2:11 p.m.

mhilton - "besides a physical building to meet in and 2 temples within an
hour and half drive" - HA! You poor thing! Two temples within an hour and a
half. How would that be? Methinks you might benefit from a trip to Central
America or Africa or maybe Southeast Asia, and see how the saints there live. We
in the US are rich, even if we are unemployed. We have clean water to drink, we
have sewers and electricity and cars to drive, our food is clean, we don't
worry about our family members being shot on the streets. We live better than
the wealthiest kings did a couple of centuries ago. Be grateful and be
helpful-and be wise. We are not being asked to impoverish our own families, but
to give what we can. It's called the law of consecration, but instead of
the bishop making the decisions about what you need to live, you do (a bigger
responsibility, actually).

Craig ClarkBoulder, CO

June 4, 2013 2:04 p.m.

BYU&UW FAN,

"....Many potential missionaries work to survive,
and have no way of saving enough for a mission. I am grateful for the chance I
had to go on a mission, and hopefully my donation can help someone else."______________________________

That is the true spirit of giving.
Money given grudgingly is better not being given at all.

WoodyffMapleton, UT

June 4, 2013 1:41 p.m.

How many remember when you paid tithing, budget, building fund, missionary fund,
etc. As it says "if you are able". When I need work done around my home
I hire a young man and hopefully that will help with his 'missionary
fund' and when I can I donate to the ward mission fund or the general fund.
Everything we have is from our Heavenly Father, without Him we have nothing.
Remember Matthew 19:24.

Barb WireUSA, UT

June 4, 2013 1:15 p.m.

@ Tajemnica... Yes I am a member, but not for very much longer. I see too many
things wrong with the church and to "fleece" it's members into a
poor quality of life is wrong I believe. If more money is needed for
missionaries then it can be found elsewhere, say funds for building magnificent
temples or profits from City Creek Mall. So Tajemnica, shame on you for judging
me.

WoodyffMapleton, UT

June 4, 2013 1:14 p.m.

If everyone just gave $10 a month (if they can afford more than give more) I
would think there would be enough, and most everyone wastes more than $10 a
month. By some comments there are those that need 'converted'.

I Bleed BlueLas Vegas, NV

June 4, 2013 1:02 p.m.

A mission was the best thing I ever did. It set me up for life and all of its
challenges. Any money to assist with this is money well spent.

E.SBountiful, UT

June 4, 2013 12:53 p.m.

I am glad we can contribute. It is a privilege. Tithing money goes to both
chapel and Temple construction/maintenance, and the publication of Book of
Mormon (which is delivered for free to investigators all over the world). The
call for contribution is to all - still, I can't help but believe those
living in countries less favored will probably contribute more than the many
members in the U.S.

atl134Salt Lake City, UT

June 4, 2013 12:19 p.m.

@Tajemnica"What about the church's teachings regarding the law of
consecration? "

Too close to resembling communism (particularly
back when the church basically was the gov't pre-statehood in what is now
Utah) for some modern day members to handle.

Craig ClarkBoulder, CO

June 4, 2013 12:09 p.m.

"No, you have it completely backwards. Too many young men were being led
down paths that would bring them unhappiness and emptiness before they were
"finally adults"______________________________

The
mission field is not a juvenile rehabilitation program. The way I read
OHBU's post was as an expression of concern that too many young LDS men
were being called to the mission field before they were mature enough to make
such an adult commitment. That has been my concern as well. You shouldn't
go on a mission to please Mom and Dad or because your friends are doing it or
when you weren't even sure about your own faith.

crawfordzooBarstow, CA

June 4, 2013 12:05 p.m.

I will be forever grateful for the General Missionary Fund. Although I thought I
had adequately prepared, I found out after I arrived in the field, that my
bishop & I had worked from an old currency conversion sheet which showed
outdated monthly funds needed. I have since helped support other missionaries
and am trying to help my children save for their missions. My husband also
expects to be furloughed next month. So this is not our time & season to
give and I don't feel guilty. The time will come when I can give again. I
don't look at it as a burden, but an opportunity.

TajemnicaWest Valley, Utah

June 4, 2013 12:03 p.m.

In addition, everything we have monetary or otherwise comes from God. Are we
really so prideful that we are not willing to give back to God what is
rightfully his? What about the church's teachings regarding the law of
consecration? Those who have more money donate to those who have less. Those who
have more time donate to those who have less. Those who have more humility
donate to those who have less. God created everyone equally and he will have
them treated as such. God made these decisions not man. God knew exactly what he
was thinking. He is perfect. We are not.

alabamamoundville,hale, AL

June 4, 2013 12:00 p.m.

"...we encourage members, as they are able..." If you are able, great,
if not, then don't. The First Presidency wants us to take care of
ourselves first. If you are facing a job loss, then save up for months/year of
unemployment first, make sure you have food storage etc. It is simple, common
sense.....you can always pray for the missionaries if you cannot help
financially. Please don't feel resentment. It is a request, if you are
able. I cannot because of present financial constraints but that does not mean
I cannot be a member missionary and support and encourage our local
missionaries. Blessings to all....

TajemnicaWest Valley, Utah

June 4, 2013 11:58 a.m.

@Barb WireShame on you if you are a member of the church. Jesus Christ
himself commanded everyone to help and assist people in any way possible. If you
are refusing to help missionaries by donating to the missionary fund than you
had better not have the means to do it in the first place. Plus according to my
knowledge of the LDS church (being a non-member with great respect for the
church) when your prophet tells you to do something you do it! It becomes a
commandment from God himself. Also, in all my dealings with friends that I have
who are members, not ONCE has a prospective missionary felt forced by his or her
parents to serve. It has always been their choice and a choice they are excited
about. And while you can have your opinions about what is best, if you are in
fact a member you would know that the prophet speaks God's word as if it
came from God's mouth himself. Thus God has said that if a young man or
woman is worthy, able, and desirous to serve at 18 or 19 it becomes the
'best' thing that they should do.

BYU&UW FAN West Jordan, UT

June 4, 2013 11:54 a.m.

I am more than happy to donate what I can. I am a federal employee, and will be
facing furlough days like many people. I think it is important to donate
something even if it is a small amount. The donations can go a long way.
Especially in places like Latin America (Where I Served as a missionary). Many
people in the United States don't truly understand what "Modest
circumstances” means. Many potential missionaries work to survive, and
have no way of saving enough for a mission. I am grateful for the chance I had
to go on a mission, and hopefully my donation can help someone else.

GeoManSALEM, OR

June 4, 2013 11:45 a.m.

OHBU,No, you have it completely backwards. Too many young men were being
led down paths that would bring them unhappiness and emptiness before they were
"finally adults" (your choice of words, not mine). The fact is that we
are all subject to many, many influences as we go through life. Those that
choose to follow the path of Christ only urge, admonish, and try to live so as
to be an example. Many of those that choose other paths freely indulge in
other, more deceptive and coercive, methods of influence. It is always harder
work to preserve and protect than it is to attack and destroy. Encouraging
missionary service is an effort to preserve and protect. The best things in life
don't come easy.In the words of the Savior: "For unto whomsoever
much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed
much, of him they will ask the more."

sammygSpringville, UT

June 4, 2013 11:33 a.m.

Happy to do it.

terra novaPark City, UT

June 4, 2013 11:32 a.m.

But the rich should take pride in their humiliation — since they will pass
away like a wild flower. (James 1:10 NIV)

We blossom like a flower
and then wither. Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear. (Job 14:2)

We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. Psalm 39:6

Our days
on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. Psalm 103:15

The grass withers and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the LORD.
And so it is with people. Isaiah 40:7

And if God cares so
wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire
tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
Matthew 6:30

Those who use the things of the world should not become
attached to them. For this world as we know it will soon pass away. 1
Corinthians 7:31

Let us give what we can. It may not be much. But
we are blessed if we do.

terra novaPark City, UT

June 4, 2013 11:25 a.m.

If ye judge the [missionary] who putteth up his petition to you for your
substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more just will be your
condemnation for withholding your substance, which doth not belong to you but to
God... wo be unto (you), for (your) substance shall perish with (you)... I say
(this to) those who are rich as pertaining to the things of this world. (But if
you are) poor (and) have not and yet have sufficient, that ye remain from day to
day; I mean all you who deny the [missionary], because ye have not; I would that
ye say in your hearts that: I give not because I have not, but if I had I would
give. If you do so with a pure heart, you remain guiltless... Mosiah 5:21-24

The earth is full... and I have given unto the children of men to be
agents unto themselves. Therefore, if any man shall take of the abundance which
I have made, and impart not his portion, according to the law of my gospel, unto
the poor and the needy, he shall (suffer) with the wicked. (D&C 104:15-17)

JP71Ogden, UT

June 4, 2013 11:17 a.m.

When I originally read this I though it was another thing to add to tithing and
fast offering. But, as I thought about it I thought of how easy we have it now
compared to the Saints 100, 50, or even 30 years ago. If the Prophet asks for
our help we need to step up.

ThinkmanProvo, UT

June 4, 2013 11:02 a.m.

I'm glad to see a healthy debate and discussion on this topic.

My son decided to go on a mission. I am helping him with it, even though I
don't believe the LDS church to be God's one and only true church. I
served a mission in a foreign land many moons ago and paid for it by working and
earning my own money.

My son is also receiving some help (even though
it isn't needed) by some generous members in his ward. They willingly give
to him directly because they chose on their own to contribute. I think the LDS
church leaders asking the general membership to contribute above tithing, fast
offerings and to the Perpetual Education Fund, to the Temple Fund and now once
again, to the General Missionary Fund, is an overreach.

LDS Church
leaders are just men by the way who are business savy and who know that many,
possibly 40-45% of the general membership will just go ahead and dig deeper in
their pockets to contribute to yet another LDS church money stream.

Contribute if you like, but know that the LDS church has several revenue
streams already to fund more missionaries.

Craig ClarkBoulder, CO

June 4, 2013 10:57 a.m.

Obama10,

"Law of Consecration. Enough said."______________________________

The Law of Consecration was
discontinued in the 19th century. Were you aware that it asked members to deed
their property to the Church?

Let's keep in mind that when
missionaries make converts they're also potentially expanding the tithing
base of the Church in addition to spreading the Gospel.

ThinkmanProvo, UT

June 4, 2013 10:45 a.m.

I guess the 10% from the members isn't enough to fund the added
missionaries?

Time to start paying double tithing, which isn't
tithing afterall. We need a new word for 20% ... how about twentthing?

Obama10SYRACUSE, UT

June 4, 2013 10:33 a.m.

Law of Consecration. Enough said.

OHBUColumbus, OH

June 4, 2013 10:30 a.m.

statman: "Part of the reason for moving the age of service up was that the
church "lost" many potential missionaries in the extra year. Requiring
that all missionaries be self-reliant would be counter-productive."

This is the most troubling aspect of the policy change to me. In other words,
too many young men, once they were finally adults and out the house, had time to
really analyze their beliefs and decided that a mission was not for them. The
church's solution? Get them out on a mission before they're out from
underneath their parents' thumb. Feels a bit like a desperation move by a
church whose missionary force has remained the same for over twenty years. I
remember on my mission in 1999 our area authority talked quite frankly about how
the church was worried about the fact that the number of missionaries
hadn't increased in over a decade. Today, it is the same number.

Craig ClarkBoulder, CO

June 4, 2013 10:05 a.m.

The single greatest contribution to missionary work is that of the young men and
women who contribute two years of their lives to serving and don't receive
a dime in compensation for their dedicated service. Surely a church that spends
billions building opulent temples and visitors centers could loosen its own
purse strings before asking church membership to dig deeper into its pockets.

ImABelieverProvo, UT

June 4, 2013 10:03 a.m.

All these comments about whether to give or not, where the money goes is
absolutely ridiculous. God said to use good judgement in all things and the
General Authorities would say the same thing. The statement is
"IF" you are in a position to give to the missionary fund then please do
so. The Prophet would never tell you to sacrifice shelter, food and clothing to
give to the missionary fund. Just like the Prophet would never tell you to run
up your credit cards, get in debt to buy food storage.C'mon brothers
and sisters; stop squabbling and use the brain that God gave you.

JaredAverage, SE

June 4, 2013 9:58 a.m.

Hutterite, I know you don't have particularly kind feelings towards the LDS
Church but the Church is doing exactly what you said. They are anticipating a
"funding shortfall" and are asking for donations to prevent such a
shortfall from causing financial problems down the road. They are also reminding
members of the Church that they covenanted with God that they would use their
means and abilities to support others and further the Lord's work. Besides,
those who give freely are blessed - that's not why we do it but it's
what happens when we do.

JD BooksSulphurdale, UT

June 4, 2013 9:56 a.m.

I think a multi billion dollar company should be able to pay for the new
missionaries without having to milk the members for more dollars. If a person
wants to pay extra to the mission fund, let them but many will think that
because the prophet mentioned this in conference that it is a decree from on
high. That isn't the case. I can barely afford to make ends meet with
tithing being paid. I just don't think the church should go hat in hand to
it's members anymore for handouts.

Allen#2WEST VALLEY CITY, UT

June 4, 2013 9:13 a.m.

I am glad my wife and I began contributing to the General Missionary Fund before
the First Presidency letter was read in our ward last Sunday and had started
contributing to the Perpetual Education Fund when President Hinckley announced
it.

WiscougarfanRiver Falls, WI

June 4, 2013 8:49 a.m.

Re: Barb Wire

I agree with the sentiment "If a high school
student wants to go on a mission that bad, then they should find a way to pay
for it themselves" as well as the notion that too many kids are going on
missions to appease their parents or peers (which is easy if the whole thing is
paid for anyways).

However, like others on this thread have
suggested, not all of the 65,000+ missionaries that are currently serving come
from the privileged background that makes missionary service so easily
attainable. The suggestion to contribute to the general missionary fund is one I
wholeheartedly support. While I personally try to make opportunities available
(i.e. chores) to my own children to make and save money so they pay for their
own missions our family is very grateful for the opportunity to help others who
would not be able to serve without outside help. When my seven year old
contributes a dollar or two to the general mission fund he is furthering his own
preparation for missionary service.

GeoManSALEM, OR

June 4, 2013 8:43 a.m.

The range of reactions on this comment board is remarkable and I'm not even
sure I can tell who is being sarcastic or facetious and who is being sincere and
direct. I'm going to just give everyone the benefit of the doubt in that
regard and assume the best that their words allow.

One point I would
like to add to the discussion is this: In the economy of the past few years,
many young men and young women have not been able to get a job to allow them to
earn and save money for a mission.

The request was to give according
to ability. Many will not be able to, but there are many others that have great
abundance and would benefit greatly by responding to the First Presidency's
request.

HutteriteAmerican Fork, UT

June 4, 2013 8:41 a.m.

The corporation should have anticipated a funding shortfall with it's new
policy to staff up.

Uncle VicEl Dorado Hills, CA

June 4, 2013 8:36 a.m.

I'm not surprised or displeased that the First Presidency is asking for
more contributions. The Deseret News recently reported that the Church is
anticipating a 47 percent increase in missionaries. I doubt that tithing
receipts have risen by 47 percent. True, not all of our tithing goes to support
missionary work, but I'll bet a lot of it does. With this additional
expense, the Church needs to make up the difference, or perhaps, rather, we do.
The $400 each young missionary pays monthly does not completely cover the cost
of the mission, I am sure.

My wife and I are serving a couples
mission right now, and loving it. But I think we'll also have to increase
our contribution to the General Missionary Fund. We don't mind. Seems
like I made a promise to do that, some time back. I'm thankful that we have
something to contribute, and appreciate those whose circumstances don't
allow it.

GDSyracuse, UT

June 4, 2013 8:16 a.m.

The positive of a mission is that it helps these young men who need help prepare
for college. I think it helps many of them rise above their circumstances when
they get home. I'm glad we can help.

Christmas CaroleLAS CRUCES, NM

June 4, 2013 8:00 a.m.

"As for me and my house..." SHAME on anyone who would "protect"
their wallets above the humble request of our leaders to help those in lesser
circumstances. Aren't those of us who have been blessed grateful?...and how
gratefully we are asked to give to those who are not, in a
"nonjudgmental" way. "...but for the grace of God go I.."

midwestfanSpanish Fork, UT

June 4, 2013 7:49 a.m.

We supported 7 children on missions and are now supporting two more--ourselves.
Senior Missions Rock!!! Most of the Senior Couples in our mission are serving
their 2nd, 3rd, 5th missions; and one is on their 9th mission. They hope to
serve #10 after this one. Why?? The blessings far out weigh any inconvenience,
and the people here need and appreciate us so much. Our capacity to love others
is growing. Our understanding of what it means to be a disciple of the Lord is
growing. Our understanding of the scriptures is growing. Our ability to receive
revelation is growing. Most of all, our closeness to the Savior is growing. What
a way to top off a life-time of part-time service and prepare for the next world
by doing what we hope to be doing there.

mhiltonLancaster, CA

June 4, 2013 7:39 a.m.

I am ambivelant about this new request. It's not surprising. Yet, I give,
and give and give. My tithing, fast offering, supporting a missionary from our
ward in part(including clothing expenses), and a missionary from my home (my
daughter). Soon, my husband is going to be fuloughed by his employer in July
unless there is an act from the federal government. Our ward has not had a ward
activity in 6 months because we have no budget for ward activities. I love the
Church and try to be true to the covenants I make. But, what about my family
and planning for retirement? What about my ward that needs so much help and gets
very little? I agree in the wonderment about where all the tithing money goes,
because, besides a physical building to meet in and 2 temples within an hour and
half drive, I don't see any help for my poor ward that has a library that
is practically useless and no activities worth inviting non-members too. And
now, were being asked to give to the gen. missionary fund. When will it end?

elarueNEW YORK, NY

June 4, 2013 7:24 a.m.

BYR - I think you bring up something about the level of financial preparation.
If a young man graduates from high school and then decides he isn't even
going to start college until after his mission, then he can work full time to
build up a mission fund. However, in high school, you can't possibly work
a full time job, if for no other reason that child labor laws won't allow
it. So having a mission savings fund ready and waiting for you on high school
graduation based on your own labors is pretty much unrealistic.

luv2organizeGainesville, VA

June 4, 2013 6:47 a.m.

Dear Barb Wire; read the article today about the service that the pilots give to
those in need. Basically this boils down to giving unconditional to the
betterment of society. It doesn't have to be to the church or missions - it
can be to whatever your heart desires. I hope one day to have enough money to
give, give and give some more.

DennisHarwich, MA

June 4, 2013 5:41 a.m.

When the Church sends thousands of 18 year old young men that haven't even
had a year to save some money and ready themselves for the mission experience
what can they expect other than to help pay for these kids. Seriously, what
were they thinking?

Strider303Salt Lake City, UT

June 4, 2013 3:09 a.m.

To me it ain't the money, it's a call to follow the leader's
request. I don't know where "all that tithing money goes" and
don't really care - it's not my money once I give it. All this means
is that there is a need,and we are asked to fill it. As a people we have an
opportunity to step up and be part of what we supposedly sing about, pray about
and talk about on Sunday.

Sacrifice brings for the blessings of
Heaven, or so the refrain goes. We get a chance to put it to the test.

Hey, it's only green pieces of paper we all pretend has value, and
it's been so since the 1970's.

mecrBountiful, UT

June 4, 2013 12:37 a.m.

We received a letter from my daughter's mission president asking parents to
be considerate on the extra funds and even gifts we sent to our children because
there are so many other missionaries who are not american who serve under very
humble circunstances. Whoever had served a mission in latinamerica for example
can tell about the "local" missionarirs going to the mission field with
just the basic. Just going on a mission was a family sacrifice because family
lost one of the earners. I know of a girl who worked two full time jobs here to
save the money so her parents who are poor don't have a financial burden. I
also know of a girl in latinamerica whose mother is selling rice and beans to
help her daughter to go on a mission. The girl is cleaning houses. No father
figure, she is the only child and will leave her mother who is old behind, They
are sacrifizing more than what we can imagine! I think we can give a bit. From
bit to bit, great things can be one!

common sense in IdahoPocatello, id

June 4, 2013 12:16 a.m.

Just for the record my wife and I have supported three sons on missions. The
youngest got home last year. We have noticed that since he has gotten home that
we have missed supporting a son on a mission financially and also spiritually.
We now help support a full time missionary in our home ward who is from humble
circumstances. No, we are not related to this elder and no we weren't
asked by the Bishop to help. We do it BECAUSE WE WANT TO. Nothing makes us
feel better than to support a missionary in the mission field. It is actually
quite an honor. And yes we are full tithe payers also. All the glory be to our
heavenly father.

robertoMoses Lake, WA

June 3, 2013 10:39 p.m.

I think that young men and their families should do as much as they can to pay
their way. When they can't then its time for guys like me and "living
large" to step up to the plate. As for Barb, attitude adjustment comes first
then comes the contributions. Its all up to you.

DGA28Monticello, UT

June 3, 2013 10:03 p.m.

Really Barb Wire. Did you serve a mission? Do know anybody who did? I did (5th
generation missionary), my 2 sons have, 2 warming up in the bullpen, one
daughter headed out next week. A mission can be a life changer. I gladly help
my kids and pay for other youth who can't afford it. A few hundred bucks a
month to change and improve generations, priceless.

Barb WireUSA, UT

June 3, 2013 9:05 p.m.

Where does all that millions of dollars in tithing money go? Asking a member to
pay tithing and contribute to a missionary fund is a little excessive. I would
never contribute to a missionary fund. If a high school student wants to go on
a mission that bad, then they should find a way to pay for it themselves. I
think it's more of the their parent's egos pushing them than really
wanting to serve a mission at that age. I believe college or work is a better
choice at that age and a mission later when they are more financially able and
certainly more mature.

JackAurora, CO

June 3, 2013 8:35 p.m.

What is boils down to is this: for those who can contribute, please do so for
there are many who would serve if they could afford it. The old days when most
of the missionaries came from the US, where they could earn and save for their
missions are over. There are so many in other countries who don't have
what we have who can benefit from our contributions. Oh yeah, and the blessings
are there too.

statmanLehi, UT

June 3, 2013 8:19 p.m.

livin - the expectation of missionaries paying their own way "even if it
takes an extra year or two" went out last October where the advice to
prospective missionaries was to not delay for financial reasons. Part of the
reason for moving the age of service up was that the church "lost" many
potential missionaries in the extra year. Requiring that all missionaries be
self-reliant would be counter-productive.

amagnetickAV, CA

June 3, 2013 8:11 p.m.

I find it interesting that someone with the screen name of LivinLarge would be
whining about how missionaries should be pulling their own weight. If you are
"LivinLarge", you of all people should be able to assist those who come
from very modest circumstances to fulfill a mission (if you are being truthful
about being for more Missionaries). I know how it is though... sometimes your
fingers start typing before your brain is engaged.

LaurelsSandy, UT

June 3, 2013 7:01 p.m.

My youngest son served a mission in Chile. Several of his companions came from
near poverty circumstances from other South American countries. Most of them
received support from the LDS Church's General Missionary Fund. Given
their circumstances, it would have been impossible to save enough to pay for
their missions. Any money they earned went to feed their family. Taking two
years to serve a mission was a tremendous sacrifice on their part, as well as
for their family.

Once they honorably completed their missions,
several of them also benefited from the Perpetual Education Fund. What a
blessing that has been! These young men learned skills that enabled them to get
decent-paying jobs. They are paying back the PEF loans, have the skills to
support their families above the poverty level, and will now be able to support
their children in the future for their missions as well as make contributions to
the Missionary Fund themselves. Self-reliance is a good thing, but sometimes it
takes a "pay forward" activity like the Church's Missionary Fund
and the PEF to make self-reliance possible.

ClaudioSpringville, Ut

June 3, 2013 7:01 p.m.

LivinLarge,

People in other countries are sometimes lucky if they
make as much as is required for a mission in their lifetime. Self-reliance yes;
selecting missionaries based on the luck of their birthplace, no.

BYRWoods Cross, UT

June 3, 2013 6:56 p.m.

I think aspect is the time frame to become financially prepared for a mission.
Prior to the announcement last October, a young man had an entire year to
prepare (or waste), while the young woman had 2-3 years. Now, the young man can
submit his papers while in high school. A little more difficult I think. Still,
what has the young man/woman been doing since they were 16? A difficult balance
between work and school. Tough decisions.

LivinLargeBountiful, UT

June 3, 2013 6:42 p.m.

I'm all for more missionaries. However, what happened to the self-reliant
expectation of paying your own way, even if it means delaying your mission by a
year or two? I've been taught and continue to believe that self-reliance
is no respecter of age and that the Lord will provide a way.